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In quest of new horizons? Want to be thrilled by fine whitewater? Awed you with dazzling scenery? Immersed in the entrancing Buddhist culture? Look no further! Our trip down the Zanskar is a “Lost Horizon” river journey that will draw you in like a magnet. We had so much fun revisiting this 1976 Sobek first descent in 2007 as part of our Sobek Signature Series, we’re offering it again in 2009! And better yet, Sobek co-founder John Yost is back to lead the trip and take you on this amazing journey. Our adventure covers most of western Ladakh, with its ancient monasteries, palaces, and villages. We’ll travel by four-wheel-drive vehicles and by foot, but mostly by raft. From the plains of Delhi to the heights of the Zanskar Mountains, from remote Buddhist lamaseries tucked away in cliffs rising sheer above the spirited river to the wonders of the old trading post of Leh, you’ll enjoy a multifaceted display of the attractions that gave rise to the myth of Shangri-La. And with John at the helm, you’ll get more than a great river ride—with a degree in Buddhism and oriental philosophy, John will share with you his cultural insights about the Ladakh people and their ancient Buddhist traditions. There is truly no better way to open your world to new horizons than by following John down the Zanskar!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy exhilarating rapids through a Grand Canyon–like gorge and amazing vistas of 19,000-foot peaks
  
• Discover the rich Buddhist culture at remote hilltop monasteries and temples
  
• Meet the locals on day hikes to nearby villages
  

"Of all the trips I missed while running Sobek instead of rivers, the Zanskar lured me most strongly. Managing the company made me miss more than one great trip, but with a degree in Buddhism and oriental philosophy it really hurt to watch the Zanskar trips flow by without me. Ladakh draws me like iron to a magnet. Rafting through its remote canyons seems too good to be true. Take me home, country river!" ~ John Yost

Day 1 - Meet in Delhi, India.

Day 2 - Fly to Leh (11,500'). Afternoon to acclimatize and explore the city on your own.

Day 3 - Drive to Kargil, crossing the Fotu La (14,000') and entering the Suru Valley. Along the way you’ll visit Lamayuru and Rizong Monasteries.

Day 4 - Enjoy magnificent views of large meadows, hanging glaciers, and the 7,000-meter Nun and Kun massifs as you continue to Rangdum Gompa (12,000'), a hilltop monastery founded in the early 16th century and currently home to about 40 monks.

Day 5 - Drive over the Pensi La (14,500'), with its grand views of the Zanskar peaks and the Drong Durong glacier that feeds the Zanskar River 25 miles below. Continue to Remala.

Days 6-8 - We begin the expedition surrounded by 19,000-foot peaks of startling beauty. Gentle Class II rapids ease us into the rhythm of the river, then gradually increase in intensity to Class III as we enter the breathtaking Zanskar Gorge with walls looming a few thousand feet above the river. Along the way you’ll visit local villages and stop at Karsha Gompa, near Padum, a 15th-century monastery clinging to the steep cliffs.

Days 9-10 - A great day for whitewater as we reach the confluence of the Markha River. Layover day to take optional hikes to nearby villages and admire the “gorge-ous” scenery.

Days 11-12 - Raft to the confluence of the Indus River, and finish up the expedition with a series of Class III and IV rapids. Take out at treasure-filled Alchi, an 11th-century monastery famous for its exquisite frescoes and wood carvings. Return to Leh.

Day 13 - Sightseeing around Leh, including the Leh Gompa, Sankar Gompa, and Stok Palace Museum.

Day 14 - Fly to Delhi. Optional guided tour available.

Day 15 - Depart Delhi.

Photo Credits
©MTS Photo File